Pembroke Welsh Corgi · Longevity

How Long Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis Live?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis live 12-13 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Pembroke Welsh Corgi more good years.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Lifespan 12-13 yearsHerding GroupAKC Ranks 15 of 208
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy12-13 years
AKC groupHerding Group
Height10-12 inches
Weightup to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)
Energy4
Trainability4
Mental stimulation4
Watchdog / protective5
Affectionate with family5
Good with kids3
Good with other dogs4
Openness to strangers4
Playfulness4
Adaptability4
Barking4
Shedding4
Grooming frequency2
Drooling1

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At up to 30 pounds, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a medium breed. Medium breeds fall in the middle of the canine lifespan range, which its 12-13 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a Pembroke Welsh Corgi fit your life?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi suits owners who want a small dog with a big personality, quick to learn and always tuned in to the household. It's an attentive watchdog that bonds hard with its family and adapts well to new places. The tradeoff: this breed barks readily and sheds heavily, so it's not the quiet, low-maintenance lapdog its size might suggest.

A great match if you

  • You'll move through training quickly, this breed is eager to learn and responds well to consistency.
  • You'll have an ever-alert companion that announces every visitor and delivery.
  • You'll get a dog that attaches closely to its family and loves being included in daily life.
  • You can bring this dog along to new places, it settles into changed routines with ease.
  • You'll enjoy a playful, sociable dog that generally gets along with other dogs.

Think twice if

  • You'll hear a lot of barking, corgis alert to nearly everything and that can wear on close neighbors.
  • You'll be vacuuming often, the coat sheds heavily regardless of season.
  • You'll want to keep this dog's mind busy, it was bred to work and gets bored without a task.
  • You'll want to supervise young kids, this breed is only moderately suited to boisterous child's play.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi are Joint and mobility, Dental and oral health, Eye and vision and Immune support (owners often watch for hip dysplasia, teeth, eye).

Straight talk: what a supplement cannot fix

Bleeding disorders

Bleeding disorders are genetic and require veterinary management. Discuss omega-3 timing with your vet if your dog is on anticoagulants or pre-surgical.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi facts, quick answers

How long do Pembroke Welsh Corgis live?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis live 12-13 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do Pembroke Welsh Corgis get?

A full-grown Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands 10-12 inches and weighs up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the medium-breed range.

What kind of dog is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a herding breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 15 of 208. It is a medium dog that typically lives around 12-13 years.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis high-energy dogs?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are an energetic breed that stays happiest with a solid daily walk plus some play or training.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis easy to train?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis shed a lot?

Yes, they do. Expect loose hair year-round with heavier seasonal blowouts, so regular brushing and a good vacuum come with the territory.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis bark a lot?

They are fairly vocal. They like to announce visitors and will bark when bored, so teaching a quiet cue early pays off.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis good with kids?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are able to do well with children, but they are best in homes with older, dog-savvy kids and benefit from early socialization.

Do Pembroke Welsh Corgis get along with other dogs?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis friendly with strangers?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis good for first-time owners?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.

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